Why Supplements Rock

I used to question the importance and value of taking supplements. I eat healthy, exercise, go outdoors, and lead an overall healthy lifestyle. So why supplement? Is it really necessary? I personally think yes. Here are a few reasons why I do:

The lack of nutrients in food nowadays. Oh, if only all our food was locally grown without the use and exposure to pollutants, pesticides (even organic have pesticides, just not as many!), processed ingredients or gmo’s. The far distances our food travels, the amount of time it sits on the truck and store shelves, the artificial ingredients in processed foods, and genetically engineered fruits, vegetables, grains, and oils make it difficult to get all the nutrients we need in a day. While food is technically the best way to get these nutrients, the quality of it is lacking.

A busy lifestyle. Microwaving, reheating, and our cooking methods all can decrease the vitamin content in the food we eat. Take-out, meal replacement bars, and frozen dinners will never compete with an organic garden in the back freshly picked and prepared immediately. Do I do any of these things on a consistent basis? No! But I do sometimes, and it’s another reason I turn to vitamins.

The way it makes me look and feel. If I forget to take my supplements in the morning at breakfast, it doesn’t take me too long to realize it. I feel better when I take them and I’ll notice I drag a little when I don’t! I can also tell the difference in my skin, hair, and nails which is definitely a bonus! As a new mom, it has really increased my dependence on quality foods, nourishing ingredients, and feeling as good as I can when sleep deprived and stressed! I’ve also increased my wine consumption a little too, but antioxidants, right?? I look supplementing as a bit of an “insurance policy” on top of my overall healthy lifestyle. Even during pregnancy I took additional B Vitamins in the afternoon when I’d start to hit a slump. It gave me another burst of energy. I was not one of those super energetic pregnant women! I felt like my body was consistently on overdrive while growing another human which left me lacking.

Pure Encapsulations is a brand I’ve trusted since I discovered them a few years ago. A naturopathic doctor I was friends with told me about them a few years ago and it aligned perfectly with what I look for in a product. Their supplements are hypoallergenic and do not contain any hidden fillers or coatings. They’re clean, organic, free of preservatives, gluten, coloring, or gmo’s.

Here are the ones I take:

O.N.E. Multivitamin. One of the reasons I love this particular formula so much is the form of folate they use. Rather than folic acid, L-5-MTHF (methyl folate) is used which is a naturally occurring, easily metabolized version. When I was pregnant it was more important than ever to supplement with a good folate supplement. This multi is awesome too because it contains CoQ10 and zeaxanthin, two supplements I used to take on their own for their antioxidant value. I also dig that that this is just a one-a-day vitamin. I’ve had others where I was taking up to 6 pills a day!

Vitamin D3. Vitamin D is important for bone health, immune health and fighting depression. During the fall and winter months when the days are short and the nights are long it is especially beneficial because we miss out on all that natural sunlight. Even if you live someplace sunny, most of us spend the majority of the day indoors so vitamin D is one we rarely get enough of. Even wearing sunscreen interferes with the amount of Vitamin D we are able to absorb (but please by all means, wear it!). I take it to keep my immunity up and help keep me in good spirits. I like using the liquid form because it’s easy to just drop it in my smoothie or even on yogurt or in any other drink.

O.N.E. Omega. This is definitely a beauty supplement! When you get enough omegas, your skin thanks you for it and it shows! Those of you who suffer with dry skin this is especially helpful! I notice a difference in my hair too, also not as dry. This particular supplement has twice the potency of other fish oils and is tested for environmental contaminants. That’s something I look for because of how many toxins can be found in fish and their supplemental counterparts. All the cardiovascular benefits too motivates me to make fish oil a supplement staple.

Vitamin B12. The perfect supplement for that afternoon slump. It helps with energy metabolism and gives me the pick me up I need later in the day! I always look for the methyl form of B12. That’s the bioavailable form our body can metabolize and use well rather than the synthetic version.

All of the supplements I mentioned above are ones that I personally benefit from, so remember to always consult with your doctor before starting anything new! If you are taking any medications certain supplements can interfere with their effectiveness, please ask your doctor first!

Do you take supplements? Which ones do you find to be the most helpful?

**I received compensation in exchange for writing this review. Although this post is sponsored, all opinions are my own.

Hi! I'm Leah, thanks for stopping by! The field of health and wellness is my passion, so I have created a space to answer your health questions all while filling you in on my own personal journey along the way. I am a daughter, wife, sister, new mom, dog mommy, spinner, yogi, traveler, and chocolate lover. I am a certified Holistic Health Coach and if you have a question you want a real-girl answer to, just ask!
"Take care of your body. It's the only place you have to live." - Jim Rohn